The Kern High School District is awaiting results on local elections for who will take the role of Trustee in Area 2 and 3. These elected members will help tackle the current issue of returning students and teachers to school safely as Kern County emerges from the pandemic.   

Jeff Flores is the Board Clerk and current incumbent for Trustee Area 2 for the Kern High School District. On a recent survey for The Runner, Flores said he is running to keep his seat because he believes in the power of education and hopes to position the Kern High School District as one of the best in the state.  

 “I’m optimistic, I’m hopeful, and I feel good about my race so far. I ran a very competitive race and I’m watching the results come in and I’m excited,” said Flores as the first round of results at 11 p.m. show his vote count at 7,206.  

Running against Flores is a retired teacher, Dayle Record. Her motive for running for school board includes supporting student learning, providing equality and inclusivity for all students and hiring staff. As of 11 p.m. Record has 3,637 votes resulting in 33% of the total counted votes so far. We did not hear back from Record tonight for comments. This seat for Area 2 covers East Bakersfield high schools including Mira Monte, Highland, East, and Foothill.  

The seat for Area 3 includes Shafter, Independence, Golden Valley, Lamont, and Arvin High School. Joey O’Connell is the Vice President for the Kern High School District Board and current seat holder for Trustee Area 3. His run to keep his seat will be to restore a community voice in local education, strive for board transparency, and ensure the retention of quality teachers. O’Connell currently has 5,803 counted votes making up over 45% of the votes so far for this seat. We did not hear back from O’Connell tonight with any comments.  

Last but not least, running against O’Connell is opponent David F. Manriquez, a candidate for Vice President of the Kern High School District School Board. Manriquez said he is running to better accurately represent Area 3. As of the latest results tonight he and O’Connell are coming in close, with Manriquez taking over 53% of the votes so far. We did not hear back from Manriquez with any comments.  

Continue to follow The Runner’s website for updates on this story.